After a slow start, the New England Patriots, as usual, are looking like the class of the AFC East and a Super Bowl contender, despite some glaring flaws — such as their permissive defense.
The 4-2 Pats have won three straight and are actually atop their division with the Dolphins, who emerged from a wacky roller-coaster ride with the Bears on Sunday with a 31-28 overtime victory. The Bears dropped to 3-2, but are still percentage points ahead of the 3-2-1 Packers and Vikings in the NFC North.
The New England defense is 20th in total yards allowed, 21st in average gain per rush and passing yards allowed, and it was strafed for 40 points Sunday night by the explosive Chiefs, who run an offensive scheme very similar to the Bears, albeit it with better personnel.